Steve McClaren has promised not to pull up the drawbridge to prevent England's
Under-21s stars walking into the senior squad.

Following last month's dismal defeat in Croatia, McClaren hinted he might
offer some of the youngsters responsible for getting England to next summer's
European Under-21 Championships a chance to get involved in tomorrow night's
friendly with Holland in Amsterdam.

In the end, McClaren included only 18-year-old Manchester City defender Micah
Richards in his squad and has resisted the temptation to bring more new faces in
despite suffering an amazing eight withdrawals.

But, with another friendly against Spain looming in February, McClaren insists
the door has not been closed to the numerous talented young stars of the future
who have already caught his eye.

'I am very excited by some of the young lads coming through from the
Under-21s,' he said.

'You have to be careful about which games and get-togethers you bring them in
for. It is all about timing.

'But I am looking forward to the emergence of lads like Leighton Baines,
Gabriel Agbonlahor - who has really impressed me - and David Nugent.

'I am also looking forward to seeing Theo Walcott get more games and having
the chance to prove what a good player he is.

'With those lads, it is all about potential. My job is about qualifying for
the European Championships. That is what I am looking towards when I pick a
squad.'

McClaren's latest squad has been decimated by withdrawals, with Tottenham duo
Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Jenas adding to the half dozen who were absent when
England reported for duty in Watford on Sunday night.

The loss of Lennon is a particular blow as the pacy teenage winger had been
earmarked for his first senior start by McClaren, who believed his direct
running style could unsettle the Dutch defence.

Instead, the England coach must now decide whether to persevere with Steven
Gerrard on the right flank, even though the Liverpool captain dislikes the role,
or give him the chance to prove a central midfield partnership with Frank
Lampard can be effective.

The latter option is likely to see Shaun Wright-Phillips begin his first
England game for 13 months even though he has started just twice for Chelsea
this season, a situation McClaren concedes is hardly ideal.

'The fact Shaun is not getting many games for Chelsea is a concern,' said
McClaren.

'I like Shaun. He is quick and he can penetrate. He is a great player to have
in the squad.

'But all players need to play to get form and momentum. I speak to Jose
Mourinho quite often. He wants to give Shaun more games but obviously, he has
other priorities.'

After having his honeymoon period brought to an abrupt end last month when
England followed their disappointing home draw with Macedonia with that dreadful
defeat to Croatia, which raised major question marks over qualification for Euro
2008, McClaren may have wished for easier friendly opposition this week.

England have not beaten Wednesday's opponents in the Dutch capital since 1969
and although Robin van Persie has pulled out, Edwin van der Sar has asked not to
be considered and Ruud van Nistelrooy continues to be overlooked, they will
still provide a formidable test.

'It is a game I relish,' said McClaren.

'I would rather be playing this game than a lesser one.

'There is a history and tradition with these fixtures. They are always
exciting games and usually very close but we realise it will be very
difficult.'